The Focused Fight: A Childhood Cancer Journey: From Mayhem to Miracles

by Terri Tomoff

Terri Tomoff shares her informative and transformative memoir regarding her son’s distinction of being a 5X cancer survivor from childhood leukemia through adult cancers. Her unique storytelling skill chronicles the universal account of his (and her family’s) struggles from the day of his diagnosis in 1996, to his admired survivorship and where they all stand proudly today. She weaves her story with facts, humor, hope and gratitude. She then articulates the power of community and the unwavering support she and her family received from the doctors to the dog walkers for over 24 years. Her readers will appreciate her “Chats from the Other Side of the Bed,” along with over 50 powerful reflections from others in Terri's orbit that illustrate the African Proverb on raising children that it does indeed "take a village."

448 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2021

Reviews

[Gary E. Moorehead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love, Hope and Fight

Terri Tomoff is a talented writer. Once I started reading, I found it hard to put the book down when I had tasks I needed to do. Terri writes of her family fighting cancer with love, advocacy for Ryan and a determination to not give up. Mantra was one day at a time. Extended family and friends in the Crofton community enthusiastically joined in the fight. I am a 28 year cancer survivor and have a 51 year old daughter who has stage 4 cancer so I can relate. I would recommend the book to anyone, particularly persons fighting cancer or those with family members or friends going through the cancer fight.

[Jodie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five times a Survivor....

How does a young man of 26 become “Volunteer of the Year” in the very respected organization, “Special Love, Inc.” and receive, “The Aslan Projects Temesgen Gamacho Award,” in honor of volunteer Efforts and promotion of hope to children and adults, in the spirit of Temesgan?
What life events prepared this young man and his family to receive the 2020 “Tracy’s Kids Art Therapy Award” for unwavering support of art therapy and Tracy’s kids Organization?
Come to know and experience Ryan Tomoff’s and his families “Focused Fight.” This true story is passionately written and carefully crafted to draw the reader into the unchosen direction life sometimes takes us. With chapters introduced by potent quotes, the chronologically told story revisits the fight for life and family survival, with an ending in gratitude and appreciation for the unending giving of others.

[Hp Gruneisen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a smart, humorous and eye-opening story of the power of family, community and love. The author leads the reader on a journey of hope. We know the outcome at the beginning of the book, which is a great way to start. So the tough trials and periods of frustration, pain and anxiety are easier to take knowing that the family eventually triumphs. So many detailed insights and memorable characters lighten the tale as we realize the extent of the lives touched and that touch this special child’s path to healing. Anyone that has been affected by a long term illness, either their own or someone they love, will appreciate the unique voice of a mother who navigates the unknown rough seas of hospitals, clinics, medical protocols, specialists and medical professionals. With humor and grace she expresses a mindset and attitude that pulls everyone along and we are happy to take this journey with her and her family.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me longer to read than I would have liked. Not due to the quality of the book, but life. Terri's sister Kim is married to my brother Jerry. Therefore, I was always aware of Ryan's battle with cancer. We would see the Tomoff family at Birthday parties and First Communions. Until reading this book, I did not truly know what Ryan and his family were actually going through. I was in attendance on that snowy night when Kim held the fundraiser for Ryan. In the last five years, I have gotten to know Bill, Terri, Olivia and Ryan even better and consider them family. Terri, you did an awesome job documenting your family's experience.

[George Stenitzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The subtitle says it all: mayhem to miracles. The Tomoff's journey with childhood cancer is the book you didn't want to need to read, and yet if you know a child with cancer, it's a lifeline. Full of compassion and insights, this book is a must for anyone who has a child-cancer patient in thier life.

[Mindy Cannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The feelings and sense of what its like to be this family are overwhelming. But the support they have for each other and from so many others is remarkable. Truly gives perspective of what really matters in life.

[Vicki Duane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Authentic and Honest

This book was a testimony to resilience, gratitude, community, caregiving, giving back to others and a family working together through unbelievable circumstances. Thanks to the author for sharing her journey.